President Kennedy 28 June 1963

The third day of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland was another busy one. His packed itinerary began with a helicopter trip to Cork, where he was welcomed by Congo veterans at Collins Barracks and given the freedom of the city at a reception in Cork City Hall.

Then it was back to Dublin, where he laid a wreath at Arbour Hill in the afternoon on the grave of the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising. Next he went to Leinster House, becoming the first foreign leader to address the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Television cameras were allowed into the Dáil chambers for the first time to film the event. President Kennedy presented an Irish Brigade flag from the American Civil War to the Irish people before going on to give his address. Finally at St Patrick’s Hall in Dublin Castle, he received two honorary degrees and the freedom of the city.